The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-12-17
An Army Romance.


 Private II. r. Beck, of thc United States army, who comes from the far west, Is searching In McKeesport for one R. w. Heath. Mir. Beck was a soldier In the late war, and has ever since then been in the regular army, having TO- enlisted at the expiration of each i've years term of service, Dur ing the term from 1878 to 1878 R. w, Heath and himself were members of the same company---Company T., Fifth United States Regular Cavalry. Most of the time WAS spent on the western frontier, and the two men were mess mates and close friends, During the term of service the regi- mcnt was several times called upon ia participate in n campaign against TO- bellious Indians,
 One of these occasions was in the Indian uprising of 1876, when the Sioux and Comanches united in an outbreak against tho government, In the summer of that year tho company 10 which the two mon belonged had an engagement with the savagcs in the foi ks of the Yellowstone and Big Horn rivers. At the elosc ot the en- gagemcnt, and when the troops were returning the commander of the coin- pany, Captain George F. Price, was shot through the shoulder and fell from his horse.
 The soldiers all gallopoi on with the exception of Heath Seeing the sore straits In which his captain was left, wounded and unhorsed, with a hundred bowling, murderous avages racing toward him, Heath whirled his stced and dashed back to the captains assistance. DismountinR, with ono hand he assisted the wounded officer to risc and mount his horse, while with his other. which clutchcd his trusty revolver. he kept the rcd dc- mons at bay. Having got the captain In the saddle, he leaped on behind him, spurred on his horse, and soon joined the company, who received him with cheers for his brave deed.
 Mir, Heath's term of service ex. pircd in 1878, and he was discharged and came home to McKecsport. Mir. Beck has remained In the service ever since, and on the 18th of July last re- enlisted for still another term. As a reward he was granted furlough of forty days and k now enjoying that respite. The reason of his anxious inquiries after his old oomadc, Heath, Is soon told.
 Captain Price. who has always re- taincd a sentiment of gratitude to. ward Heath, will soon retire from the service, and k desirous of bcstow- ing upon the latter some moro sub stantial testimonial of his gratitude. He Is the posscssor of fine farm of three hundred and fifty acres on Prairie Dog river, In Kansas, and it Is his desire to transfer this to Private Heath as an expression of his grati- tude. No one In the company knew anything more about Mir. Heath than that he was in McKecsport or vicin- ity, and Mir. Beck has taken advant- age of his furlough here in search Of him to acquaint him with the cap- tain's desire and put him in corrc- spondencc with that officer.
 Mir. R. W. Heath Is well known to many persons In McKecsport. For number Of years, and until only quite recently, he has boan resident of Boston, up the Youghiogheny, and was coal miner by occupation. Ills present whereabouts has not yet been learned by his old comrade and mess. mate, who Is seeking him, but if the loadstone of s9,000 Kansas farm will point to hiu tine old Indian fighters will soon be reunited, and one of them, At least, be rendered su- premely happy.